Brief Overview of σάρκινος (Strong’s G4560: sarkinos)

Strong’s G4560: An adjective describing that which is made of flesh, consisting of flesh, or pertaining to flesh in its physical nature. Used metaphorically in New Testament to contrast stone tablets with human hearts as recipients of God’s writing, emphasizing the living, organic nature of spiritual transformation.

U- Unveiling the Word

Σάρκινος describes the physical composition or substance of flesh, distinct from σαρκικός which refers to fleshly behavior. In 2 Corinthians 3:3, Paul uses this term to contrast stone tablets with “fleshy tablets of the heart,” emphasizing God’s work in transforming living human hearts rather than inscribing on lifeless stone. The early church understood this as representing the intimate, personal nature of God’s new covenant work. Today, it reminds us that God’s Spirit writes His truth on responsive, living hearts rather than external regulations.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σάρκινος, sarkinos, /sar’-kee-nos/
• Pronunciation Guide: ‘sar’ as in ‘sardine’, ‘kee’ as in ‘key’, ‘nos’ as in ‘nose’
• Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

• Root: σάρξ (sarx) meaning “flesh”
• Suffix: -ινος (-inos) meaning “made of, consisting of”
• Combined meaning: “made of flesh, fleshly in substance”

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meaning: Made of flesh, consisting of flesh
• Secondary meaning: Having the characteristics of flesh
• Metaphorical meaning: Living, responsive, human

Translation Options:

• Fleshly – Emphasizing physical composition
• Flesh-like – Focusing on material nature
• Of flesh – Most literal translation

E – Exploring Similar Words

• σαρκικός (sarkikos) /sar-kee-kos’/ – Pertaining to fleshly behavior. See G4559
• σάρξ (sarx) /sarks/ – Flesh itself, the root word. See G4561
• λίθινος (lithinos) /lith’-ee-nos/ – Made of stone, contrasted with sarkinos. See G3035

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as an adjective:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular and Plural
• Gender: Masculine, Feminine, Neuter
• Declension: Second/First declension

Examples:

• Masculine: σάρκινος
• Feminine: σαρκίνη
• Neuter: σάρκινον
• Plural: σάρκινοι

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its meaning of consisting of flesh material. Thayer’s distinguishes it from σαρκικός. LSJ notes its use in describing physical composition. Vine’s highlights its metaphorical use in 2 Corinthians. Strong’s connects it to the material nature of flesh. Moulton and Milligan document its use in describing physical substances.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
2 Corinthians 3:3: “Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy [σαρκίναις] tables of the heart.”

Additional References:
Romans 7:14, Hebrews 7:16

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Σάρκινος beautifully illustrates how God works with human nature rather than against it. The good news is that God doesn’t merely give external commands but transforms our hearts from within. Just as Christ took on flesh to save us, God’s Spirit works through our fleshly hearts to write His truth, making us living testimonies of His grace.

D – Did You Know?

1. The -ινος suffix specifically denotes material composition in Greek
2. Early church writers used this term to defend the reality of Christ’s incarnation
3. This word appears in ancient medical texts describing human anatomy

Strong’s G4560: Adjective denoting what is made of or consists of flesh. Used metaphorically in New Testament to contrast stone tablets with human hearts as recipients of divine writing, emphasizing God’s personal, transformative work in believers.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: flesh, new-covenant, heart-transformation, divine-writing, incarnation, physical-nature, spiritual-transformation, human-nature, god’s-work, pauline-theology​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​